In a recent exclusive interview, Naveen Kaushik, known for his role as Donga in the hit film Dhurandhar, has weighed in on the film's reception and addressed discussions surrounding its narrative. Kaushik, speaking to SCREEN, shared his perspective on the film, starring Ranveer Singh, and its portrayal of historical events.

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has been a box office success since its release on December 5, 2025, earning over Rs 500 crore within three weeks. The spy thriller, which also features Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and R. Madhavan, stars Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian operative infiltrating a criminal network.

Kaushik emphasized that Dhurandhar should be viewed as a depiction of history rather than propaganda. He highlighted that the film doesn't unfairly criticize any specific community or nationality. He noted that the film has resonated with audiences, including those in Pakistan, because it avoids generalizations and focuses on the actions of specific individuals responsible for causing trouble. According to Kaushik, the positive reception indicates that viewers recognize the film's attempt to portray events accurately without resorting to harmful stereotypes.

In the interview, Kaushik also lauded Ranveer Singh's dedication to his role and his ability to create a comfortable atmosphere on set. He recounted an instance during the shooting of rally scenes where Singh took the initiative to guide the crowd, ensuring that everyone felt at ease and could perform their best. Kaushik noted Singh's humility and his focus on building genuine connections with his co-stars. He observed that Singh made an effort to know everyone's name and ensure they felt comfortable rather than intimidated.

Kaushik also addressed the speculation surrounding Akshaye Khanna's performance in the film, with some suggesting that he overshadowed Ranveer Singh. Kaushik explained that Singh's character, Hamza, is intentionally understated, as he is a spy who prefers to observe from the shadows. He said that Singh's portrayal reflects the character's need to avoid drawing attention to himself, which is crucial to his role as an undercover operative.

Looking ahead, Kaushik offered a tantalizing glimpse into Dhurandhar 2, set to release on March 19, 2026. While remaining tight-lipped about specific plot details, he teased that the sequel will amplify the action, mystery, and manipulation seen in the first film by a significant margin. "[T]he action, the mystery, the manipulation is going to be ramped up by 50! Because I have seen it being done! It is 50 times what is in this one," Kaushik stated.

Kaushik's insights provide a deeper understanding of Dhurandhar's themes and the collaborative effort that went into making the film a success. His comments on the film's historical context, combined with his praise for Ranveer Singh's performance and his hints about the sequel, have further fueled anticipation for the next chapter in the Dhurandhar saga.